People find financial advisors through friends, family, or platforms like FinTok.Choosing the right advisor requires careful consideration.

“If you can’t make a connection, chances are the advice might be a little sterile because it’s not about you,” said paul Brahim, a certified financial planner and president of the Financial Planning Association.

Vetting a financial professional involves established rules and recognizing key red flags.

Here are warning signs to watch for, according to experts, before forming this significant relationship.

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Red flag: Questions about credentials

A financial professional must be qualified to help you achieve your financial goals.

Some advisors adhere to the fiduciary standard, legally requiring them to act in your best interest. Others operate under a less strict suitability standard, recommending investments that simply fit your needs.

“Certified financial planners,at least from a code of ethics outlook,have the highest fiduciary standing,” said Brahim.

Verify a CFP‘s background on the CFP Board website. check brokers and brokerage firms on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority site, and investment advisors through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD).

“You can learn a lot about the person” with a swift check, said Gerri Walsh, president of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This includes their experience and job history, which, while not always negative, could be a “yellow flag” for further investigation.